Battling Diets for Disease Prevention

Twenty years of research and scientific studies have demonstrated that fruits and vegetables can aide in the prevention of diseases such as colorectal cancer and vegetables do lower the risk for heart disease.

Most health experts are in agreement that poor dietary habits are one of the major reasons why greater than half a million Americans die from cancer every year.

With that in mind here are five diets that not only will make you feel healthier but also help fight off those numerous diseases.

Low-glycemic index diet

This diet was developed originally to aide diabetics to manage their blood sugar. This diet is the foundation of many popular diets including the South Beach diet. It is based upon the theory that carbohydrates can result in a quick increase to blood sugar levels and should be avoided.

This diet places its attention on consuming the right type of carbohydrates that will maintain proper blood sugar levels.

Foods in this diet include things such as low-glycemic rye bread, oat bran, pasta, nuts and the consumption of adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. It does allow for a small amount of potatoes.

This diet holds an impact of people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Along with controlling blood sugar levels and reduce diabetes risk it increases the good cholesterol and reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Vegetarian diet

Many studies have shown that these types of diets appear to lower the risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and some types of cancer.

Most of these diets usually contain less saturated fat and cholesterol and a range of complex carbohydrate like folic acid, dietary fiber, vitamins C and E.

Vegetarian diets can be healthy and nutritionally sound if they include the essential nutrients. The American Heart Association has information on the essential nutrients and what your vegetarian diet should include.

Dash diet

This diet is recommended by many health practitioners for those patients with hypertension and prehypertension. It has been proven in a study which was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health to lower blood pressure.

This diet strongly advocates a balanced meal which is rich in fruits, vegetables, fat free or low fat diary products, whole grains, fish, poultry, seeds and nuts. This diet has less sodium, sugar, fats and red meat in comparison to your average American diet.

The Dash diet is endorsed by many organizations including the American Heart Association and the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Gluten Free diet

This diet omits protein gluten which is found in the grains of wheat, barely and rye.

This diet is used to treat celiac disease. Gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines of people with this disease. People with this disease that are on this diet can control their signs, symptoms and prevent complications.

The purpose of this diet is for those individuals with celiac disease.

Ketogenic diet

This diet is not for all persons. It is a diet high in fat and protein without very few carbohydrates. It forces the body into a state of ketosis where ketones are used a an energy source rather than glucose. This diet is for those persons with epilepsy (especially children) who have seizures that do not respond to medications.

This diet has been used for weight loss and by body builders during their "cutting" phase. The phase in which they try to burn as much fat as possible but maintain muscle mass.

If you are considering this diet it is best to consult practitioner first. Many people who have started this diet stop the diet within a few days due to fatigue and other difficulties.

When starting any diet consult your health practitioner first to make sure it is the right diet for you and your body.

For a selection of fruits, vegetables and more:Sources:

Bio Systems

American Heart Association

Dash Diet

Mayo Clinic

Everyday Diet